A question for everyone :)

[Manuel P.]

Hi everyone,

I'm originally from Jarabacoa but currently, because of my job, do not live there. Needless to say that I absolutely love this city and hope that one day I will be able to go back and live there permanently.

I try to visit Jarabacoa very often - actually, every chance I get! - and even though I don't live there, it never fails; every time I go there's that certain 'feeling', it binds me to the air, to the people, and everything related to this town. Of course, this is coming from someone who was born, raised and lived a good part of his life there.

For the past several years I have noticed an influx and growth of non-dominican people that work and live there. This is actually a pleasant surprise for many reasons. I particularly love it. (We in Jarabacoa usually like to call them 'americanos' - though of course they could be French or German.) --

So this is the question for everyone; HOW exactly did you guys find our city? Or rather, what's your story? Why did you stay? Why Jarabacoa and not some other little town in DR (like Constanza for example) or a big city?

The reason I ask this is because I'm a very proud dominican and i'm very happy to see other people from other countries and cultures embrace our humble little piece of heaven (Jarabacoa), but at the same time when I visit and I see you guys -- sometimes 3 a time or full groups walking and enjoying the scenery -- I feel like I want to stop to and just ask. Why our Jarabacoa? And not Paris?

I'm very curious to hear everyone's story. So if anyone is kind enough fill me in, I would greatly I appreciate it.

(Please note: This question goes to the people who have stayed and currently live Jarabacoa but if you just happen to visit and love our town, I would also like to hear your story. Heck, even if you're just planning on going I wanna hear it. -- Also, I know there are missionaries, but I have no idea who they are, what they do, and how some of the members eventually stayed to live there)

Thank you everyone.

-Manuel P.

[russofford]

Hey Manuel.

Besides the question, 'De donde eres?', the next most common question that Dominicans that I meet ask me is 'Te gusta Republica Dominicana / Jarabacoa?'

My usual answer is: "I love Jarabacoa.  I enjoy the natural beauty.  There are so many rivers in which to swim, waterfalls to jump off, and mountains to climb."  But, why do I think Jarabacoa is the best city in the entire country to live in?  Heck, it is a lot cooler in the summer than La Vega, Santiago, or the Captial... the local Dominican residents are friendly, very helpful, and don't mind helping you along in the adventure of learning of the language.

When you first arrive in the city, and you know nothing about motorbikes, exchange rates, or where to find a certain street, you will find comfort in knowing that the locals are willing to aid you.

If your motorbike breaks down at the side of the road, usually someone every minute will stop to ask if you need help, offer to push you to the gas station, or jump in and get their hands greasy to try to solve the problem.  This is just normal.  People help people here.  However, I would suggest to ask 3 different people for directions... as Dominicans will tell you how to get somewhere whether they know or not!

I feel that Jarabacoa's people have welcoming and accepting spirits.  Perhaps this is the city's heritage.  I have heard stories about Japanese colonies being welcomed into the area, as well as other nationalities over the past couple of hundred of years being made to feel at home here.

Jarabacoa seems to be a 'hub' in the middle of the country where local people come to have a weekend break, and tourists come for an 'eco-vacation'.  If you are from Jarabacoa, then you know that on the weekends, and any long weekend, you are sure to find the population of Jarabacoa grow significantly.  A lot of wealthy Dominicans own vacation homes in the mountain sides or surrounding area, or they have family here to visit.  During these times you will also see an influx of shiny new 'Jeepetas' and a larger volume of patrons in the 'fancier' bars and restaurants.

Jarabacoa is also different from many other larger cities in the D.R. in that the 'laws' are a lot more relaxed, and a lot of them don't really apply here!   You don't have to worry about getting caught without a helmet, having a license plate or revista on your vehicle, and it is a lot more common to go the wrong way on a one-way street or use the side walk with a traffic jam occurs (usually because someone up ahead is stopped in the middle of the narrow street to talk to a friend.

You've gotta love it!  Life around here has a slower pace, community life rules over time-based agendas and when you are in need, someone will step in to fulfill it.  Heck, one time I ran out of Brugal Blanco at the river and a stranger that I saw there had run out of Orange Juice, so I asked him if we could trade some of our supplies with each other... we both ended up 'happy'! If you know what I mean.   jejeje.

[Manuel P.]

Thnks!

Thats a great little 'review' of Jarabacoa. And its easy to miss those things when you've actually have lived there all your life. I guess we take those things for granted -- well,  actually... we do NOTICE when we go to La Vega or other city. It's just not the same and usually it's very hard to stay away from Jarabacoa.

And you're right about people just being friendly and helping out. I myself have gone as far as escorting a lot of 'americanos' all the way to their respective hotels when I lived there and had a little scooter. It was usually easier to just let them follow you instead of explaining it because I don't even know the names of some of the streets. That of course would never happen in the US.

Hopefully other people will chime in with their stories.

(Congratulations to the owners of the site).

Thanks Russofford

[BobS]

I don't live in Jarabacoa, but my wife is from there and owns a Business there, Colegio San Jose on Calle Duverge We go every summer and stay as long as possible. We plan to move there in about 3 years time. There are many things I like about Jarabacoa, like El Parque, eating coco icecream, just walking around with my wife. It takes us an hour to go four blocks because she has to stop and greet so many people. Everyone invites you in for a chat, cofee, juice, water, sweet beans.
For me, I also love all the fruit, and the cold beer. My wife grew up in a house, right at El Parque and her family has lived in Jarabacoa since it was just a small village, so she laments the old days when it was really friendly and everyone knew each other, but it is still very friendly, and very close to being paradise on earth.

[Rodol]

Hello to all,
Just to note that DR is the jewel of the caribbean. That's why my wife is Dominican.
The sabor and culture is on its own. I was born in El Salvador, but my heart is in the Dominican Republic. Jarabacoa has beautiful mountain ranges, and rivers that meander thru the untapped wilderness. All locals are giving and always out to give a helping hand.The beauty of closeness amongst friends and family was unbeknownst to me until I was welcomed amongst my father in law's side of the family. What a party we had in Jarabacoa! Food, family and scenery to boast, what a reunion. I love it! Beware though, If you do go, you might not want to return.
Regards,
Rodol

[riccio]

I am rejoiced to see a site that talks about the city of my live. I am an ex-villagers of Jarabacoa. I lived in Jarabacao from 1985 till 1988, because my parents were send there to build some houses in "Barrio Negro". I am still looking for some people I used to hang with in town. I lost contact with them and like to get back in contact with them. We were there for a development program from Tear Fund Holland. We worked with the locals a lot. I loved the town and the people. If in my lifetime I have the chance to go back to visit, I'll do it right away.
If someone knows a Eusebio Collado or a Sandy Abréu, let me know.

Thanks

[drtampa]

Two years ago my wife and I decided to move to the DR in 2008. We were certain that Santiago would be perfect. We were disappointed. A close friend in Santiago suggested that we check on Jarabacoa. After one trip we were back for the next three days.
This past Christmas we purchased property in Sabaneta from a very loving Jarabacoa family. We hope to begin building next spring.
Our love of the DR starts with its people, continues with its beauty and ends with our finding the most perfect place it has to offer, Jarabacoa.
Now if my wife can find a position teaching art the picture will be complete.

[jpm]

What are safe and great places to live?  Do you know of any home for sale?

Thanks!

[russofford]

What are safe and great places to live?  Do you know of any home for sale?

Thanks!

There are some barrios you might want to avoid buying a house in, if you are concerned about security.  Such as Barrio Blanco or Don Bosco, but, with a quick visit to Jarabacoa you will quickly see the vast differences in various barrios.

Wealthy people usually buy lots on mountain side developments.  Upper-Middle class people may look to Urb. Pinar Dorado or Colina Los Pomos, while Lower-Middle class people may look in Medina II or La Javilla.

Those are just very rough and 'generalized' estimates.  However, in whatever neighbourhood you live... there is always risk of being robbed.  In Jarabacoa, I wouldn't fear for your 'safety' much.  I feel it is a fairly safe place to live, wherever you are.